Dizzy
by Stacy Nyikos; illustrated by Kary Lee
Published by Stonehorse Publishing (June release)
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Reviewed by Connie Anderson
"It's a bird. It's a torpedo. No...wait, it's Dizzy, the world's fastest dolphin."
Adventure in the ocean awaits your child as they follow a very busy go-for-it dolphin named Dizzy.
Author Stacy Nyikos is an award-winning writer, musician and parent. She began writing poetry in college, but didn't get into children's literature until she finished her Ph.D.
Some of Nyikos' language will keep the parent/reader challenged to explain to the child words that will expand their vocabulary--words such as "plummeted, full gainer, speedster, and bellowed--and that certainly is good.
The incredibly wonderful illustrations by Kary Lee have as much movement and color as Dizzy, the busy dolphin. The other aquatic animals (otters and sea lions) are each worthy of their own book. I suspect the children will love the adorable sea otters. Lee has incorporated the words into the design and some go in circles while others fly along with Dizzy.
Nykios' rhyming poetry is also so full of energy that I didn't realize it was rhyming until my second read.
The storyline is that Dizzy visits with his ocean friends as he flips and flops, spins and slices, plummets and circles, arches and zips through the water. After a day of all-out play, he was tired--until someone told him about fresh fish in the area.
At the back, an entire page of "Dolphin Delights" educates child and parent alike. You learn what they like to eat, where they live, what they do and much more.
Third in a series of stories of aquatic life, Dizzy follows Squirt, about squid and Shelby, featuring a shy lemon shark (see our review). Both of her previous books have received honors. Her next book, due in 2008, is a children's novel, Dragon Wish (by Blooming Tree Press).
Armchair Interviews says: If your child does not already know about aquatic animals, this book will give them an lot of new information presented with great fun.
Author Web site: http://www.StacyANyikos.com